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Childhood Asthma Information

Asthma is a serious condition that affects children of all ages. The condition can be very distressing for a small child. Babies are very vulnerable to the effects of asthma because they have very small airways. Childhood asthma has also been linked to other conditions such as eczema. Often a child will also suffer with moderate to severe allergies. Children with asthma are very sensitive to smoke and other chemicals in the environment.

  1. The Main Causes of Childhood Asthma

    • One of the best ways to help prevent childhood asthma is to keep children away from cigarette smoke. When parents smoke they are exposing their children to chemical irritants which can induce asthma. However, there is also a hereditary link. Children who have a mother with asthma are more likely to develop the condition. Thankfully, some children outgrow asthma. Obesity has also been associated with childhood asthma, so helping your child stay active and maintain a healthy weight can help.

    Signs of Childhood Asthma

    • One of the most common signs of childhood asthma is difficulty breathing or tightness in the chest. Asthmatic children often gasp to catch their breath. The child might wheeze or even develop a cough. Children with asthma will also take much longer to recover from a cold, and these children might wake up more often at night.

    Hidden Asthma Triggers

    • There are many things which can trigger asthma attacks. We live in a world filled with chemicals, plastics and other contaminants. Brand new furniture and mattresses emit gases for a certain period of time that can be harmful to asthmatic children. This can also happen when a home is freshly painted and when household chemicals are used. Let furniture release gases for a while in the garage or a separate room before using. If you have a child who suffers with asthma, avoid using toxic chemicals to clean your home. Even bleach can emit harmful fumes. Instead, use steam mops and natural-based cleaners. Steam kills germs and viruses without the toxic effects that chemical cleaners have.

    Breastfeeding to Help Prevent Asthma

    • Children who are breastfed have a much lower incidence of developing asthma. Many doctors believe this is because breast milk is loaded with things which cannot be duplicated by formula. For instance, one drop of breast milk has millions of live white blood cells it. The fluid is actually alive and ready to fight any foreign invader that enters a baby's body. Mother's milk is also loaded with key antibodies and super nutrients. In addition, this "super food" is full of beneficial bacteria. Good bacteria help to balance the bad bacteria in the body and prevent digestive problems. (See Resources below to view study.)

    Simple Precautions

    • Investing in an air filtration system for the home can be very beneficial for these children. Breathing in clean fresh air is less likely to bring on an attack. However, asthma attacks can also be brought about from stressful situations or over exertion from running. Children with asthma can enjoy outdoor activities, but asthmatic children should always carry an inhaler with them. An asthma inhaler holds medicine that is inhaled, which can help to calm an attack by reducing inflammation of the airway.

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